A controversial supplement derived from the leaves of the kratom tree has become the focus of a complex influence campaign involving political figures close to former President Donald Trump’s administration. Kratom, used by some for pain relief and increased energy, has raised federal health concerns due to links with liver toxicity, seizures, addiction, and thousands of overdose deaths.

Markwayne Mullin, who was nominated by Mr. Trump in March 2025 to lead the Department of Homeland Security, disclosed an investment worth up to $1 million in Botanic Tonics, a kratom company that could benefit from regulatory changes. Mr. Mullin has publicly supported restricting synthetic supplements that compete with kratom, citing his family’s history of addiction. However, health experts highlight that kratom itself poses risks of dependency.

Investigations reveal that Botanic Tonics’ founder, Jerry W. Ross—formerly a convicted fraudster in the energy sector—has been a central figure in lobbying efforts to shield kratom from federal scrutiny while targeting synthetic alternatives. Mr. Ross and his affiliates increased donations to prominent Trump administration figures, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been an advocate of unproven therapies aligned with the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) agenda.

The campaign achieved several notable outcomes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed certain legal enforcement links from its kratom webpage after lobbying pressure. The Justice Department abruptly dropped a lawsuit against Botanic Tonics related to allegedly unlawful sales of unapproved kratom products, a move celebrated by the company as recognition of regulatory evolution. Additionally, Mr. Kennedy intervened at the state level, encouraging Ohio’s governor to avoid a full kratom ban, a request followed by a $1 million political donation from Botanic Tonics to a committee linked to Mr. Kennedy.

Opponents of this campaign include industry players producing synthetic compounds related to kratom, such as 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). These synthetic products, deemed more potent, have faced FDA enforcement actions and legal challenges over safety concerns. Vince Sanders, head of CBD American Shaman, a maker of 7-OH, contends that the natural kratom industry’s lobbying is motivated by financial competition rather than genuine safety issues, arguing that synthetic variants represent a technological advancement over traditional kratom.

Lobbyists connected to Mr. Ross and the Trump administration reportedly sought to influence regulatory language and push for stricter controls on synthetic products while promoting natural kratom as a safer alternative. One lobbyist, Ches McDowell, closely linked to the Trump orbit, has been paid substantial sums by advocacy groups aiming to restrict synthetic variants. These efforts have included private meetings with political figures such as Vice President J.D. Vance.

The kratom industry’s rapid growth unfolded amid conflicting regulatory responses. Initially popularized by those seeking alternatives to prescription opioids, kratom found a broad consumer base in convenience stores nationwide. Yet, inconsistent product labeling, unverified safety claims, and increasing reports of harm—including over 5,200 drug overdose deaths involving kratom between 2020 and 2024—have prompted calls for stricter oversight.

Some public health advocates, including family members of individuals who died from kratom-related overdoses, warn that industry influence has delayed necessary regulations, potentially contributing to preventable fatalities. Meanwhile, the administration asserts that its decisions are driven by “gold standard science” and public safety concerns.

Former President Trump himself has made inconsistent remarks about the issue, acknowledging ongoing review of natural kratom and 7-OH products and suggesting openness to regulatory changes. Industry participants remain uncertain about the administration's ultimate position as wider health priorities, including geopolitical developments, compete for attention.

The kratom controversy highlights the challenges regulators face amid competing interests of public health, emerging industries, and political influence, with outcomes that could shape policies around supplements and alternative therapies for years to come.